5 Reasons Why Justin Blackmon Should Be Cut By the Jacksonville Jaguars

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On Wednesday, July 23, Jacksonville Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon was arrested in Edmond, Okla. for possession of marijuana. There are reasons the Jaguars haven’t cut Blackmon yet, and they make sense — he doesn’t count against the team’s salary cap or roster limit and they don’t have to pay him. In essence, the NFL and the Jaguars have hit pause on Blackmon’s contract, but it is now time for the Jaguars to cut Blackmon. Here are five reasons why.

5. Third Arrest Involving Either Alcohol or Marijuana

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5. Third Arrest Involving Either Alcohol or Marijuana

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars have stated they want Blackmon to straighten out his life, but Blackmon has not done anything on his end. Blackmon has refused to take responsibility for his actions or admit he has a problem. On Nov. 1, the NFL suspended Blackmon indefinitely and without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substance Abuse. While serving that suspension he gets arrested again, proving he doesn’t get it and the Jaguars need to cut ties.

4. Went MIA From Team During Current Suspension

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4. Went MIA From Team During Current Suspension

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

When Blackmon was suspended for four games to start the 2013 season, he kept in touch with the Jaguars. Since being suspended indefinitely, Blackmon has not informed the Jaguars of his progress or whereabouts. Aside from an occasional text to head coach Gus Bradley, Blackmon has not kept in touch with the Jaguars. Do the Jaguars really want to go out of their way for someone who clearly doesn’t care about the team?

3. Already Expected To Miss the Entire 2014 Season

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3. Already Expected To Miss the Entire 2014 Season

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Blackmon was reportedly eligible for reinstatement prior to the start of the 2014 season, and he may have been able to play at least a large portion of the season. After being arrested again, it is highly likely he’ll miss the entire 2014 season. Even though his contract has been “paused” and he’ll still owe the Jaguars two-plus years once he is reinstated, do the Jaguars want to wait? It may make more sense to begin life post-Blackmon.

2. They Drafted Marqise Lee

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2. They Drafted Marqise Lee

Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Blackmon certainly has talent, and he can help open up the Jaguars’ offense when he’s on the field. The issue is he keeps getting arrested and suspended. The Jaguars selected WR Marqise Lee (USC) in the 2014 NFL draft. Blackmon is 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, while Lee is 6-foot and 192 pounds. Lee should be able to take the place of Blackmon and do many of the same things he could do. The Jaguars also drafted WR Allen Robinson.

1. He May Need To Hit Rock Bottom

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

1. He May Need To Hit Rock Bottom

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Blackmon has yet to acknowledge he has a problem or take the steps needed to get his life in order. If he continues to receive chance after chance he may never realize he has a problem. HOF WR Chris Carter has said one of the best things that ever happened to him was when he was cut (him reaching bottom), because it forced him to address his addiction. Blackmon may need to be cut, just like Carter, in order for him to realize he has a problem.

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